Plant for producing and packaging of paper rolls

ABSTRACT

Plant for producing and packaging paper rolls obtained from the cutting of logs of paper material, including formation manners for the production of logs of paper material including winding of a predetermined amount of paper material, cutting elements for transversal cutting, packaging elements of the rolls for producing packages including a predetermined number of rolls and bundling or cartoning elements for bundling or cartoning the packages, where the elements for the production of the logs include a rewinder fed with the web of paper material wrapped to form the logs. The cutting elements, the packaging elements, and the bundling or cartoning elements are grouped into two modules on two superimposed floors of the plant downstream of the rewinder.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a plant for the production andpackaging of paper rolls, in particular rolls obtained by cutting logsof paper material.

BACKGROUND

It is known that the logs of paper material are produced by means ofplants which, generally, comprise an unwinding unit with one or moreunwinders on which corresponding parent reels are positioned for feedingrespective plies that, once joined and possibly embossed, form a paperweb that feeds a rewinder in which the logs are formed. The latterconsist of a predetermined amount of paper web wrapped around alongitudinal axis generally defined by a tubular core suitablyintroduced into the rewinder with the paper web. The logs produced bythe rewinder are conveyed to an accumulator and, from this, to one ormore cutting-off machines which divide each log into several rolls ofshorter length. Subsequently, the rolls coming out of the cutting-offmachine are conveyed to packaging machines in which the rolls arepackaged by making use of a film of plastic material, after which theindividual packages are conveyed to a bundler or a cartoning machinethat produces bags or boxes containing a predetermined number ofpackages of rolls.

Currently known systems provide for an arrangement of the packagingmachines and the bundler/cartoning machines along two substantiallyparallel lines which require considerable space and, consequently,considerable economic investments. Furthermore, the conveyors thatconnect these machines create obstacles to the passage of operatorsbetween the machines, with the need to provide for elevated crossingpassages which however involve serious problems of safety, fatigue andreactivity. The conveyors arranged between said machines also involvedifficulties in feeding raw materials to the machines themselves.Overhead conveyors are known, which partly solve the problem ofobstacles created by traditional conveyors but do not solve the problemof the overall space required to arrange the machines as previouslymentioned.

A known plant is disclosed in WO2018/060841A1 which relates to a plantfor the production and packaging of paper rolls which extends over asingle work line.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,463,713B1 discloses a plant for the production of paperrolls which involves the use of conveyors for moving the paper rollsfrom one machine to another.

SUMMARY

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a productionplant that allows to considerably reduce the spaces required inparticular for the positioning of the packaging machine and thebundler/cartoning machines.

This result is achieved, in accordance with the present invention, byadopting the idea of providing a plant having the features indicated inclaim 1. Other features of the present invention are the subject of thedependent claims.

Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the use ofthe spaces available in the area where the plant is located and, at thesame time, it is possible to avoid the use of conveyors that preventoperators from moving freely between the machines, obtaining furtheradvantages both in economic terms and in terms of safety, fatigue andreactivity of the operators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further advantages and characteristics of the presentinvention will be better understood by every person skilled in the artthanks to the following description and the attached drawings, providedby way of example but not to be considered in a limiting sense, inwhich:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic side view of a plant according to apossible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 represents a schematic top view of the plant of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 represents a view similar to that of FIG. 2 in which twoproduction lines side by side are provided, each one configured as inFIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 represents a schematic side view of a plant in accordance withanother possible embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 represents a schematic top view of the plant shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 represents a view similar to that of FIG. 5 in which twoside-by-side production lines are provided, each configured as in FIGS.4 and 5;

FIG. 7 represents a schematic front view of the integrated operatingunit;

FIG. 8 represents a sectional view according to line A-A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 represents a sectional view according to line B-B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 represents a top view of the unit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 represents a schematic antero-lateral perspective view of theunit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 represents a detail of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 represents a schematic top view of said integrated operatingunit with parts not shown in order to better highlight other parts;

FIG. 14 shows a further exemplificatory embodiment of said integratedoperating unit;

FIG. 15 shows a further exemplificatory embodiment of said integratedoperating unit;

FIG. 16 shows a further exemplificatory embodiment of said integratedoperating unit; and

FIG. 17 shows a further exemplificatory embodiment of said integratedoperating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to FIGS. 1-2 ofthe attached drawings, a plant according to the present inventionconsists of a production line (500) comprising a rewinder (501) whichproduces logs of paper material and an accumulator (502) which receivesthe logs produced by the rewinder (501) and, in turn, feeds two cutting,packing and bundling or cartoning modules (ML, MU). Said modules (ML,MU) are placed on two superimposed planes, forming a lower cutting,packing and bundling or cartoning module (ML) and an upper cutting,packing and bundling or cartoning module (MU). Each of said modules (ML,MU) comprises a cutting-off machine (503L, 503U), a packaging machine(504L, 504U) and a bundler or a cartoning machine (505L, 505U). In eachcutting-off machine (503L, 503U) the logs coming from the accumulator(502) are divided into elements, or rolls, of predetermined length bymeans of transverse cuts sequentially performed on each log. In eachpackaging machine (504L, 504U) are formed packs of rolls coming from therespective cutting-off machine (503L, 503U), each pack being made up ofa predetermined number of rolls wrapped by a packaging material. In eachbundler or cartoning machine (505L, 505U) said packages are grouped in apredetermined number in a containing bag or carton. An embossing unit(506) can be arranged upstream of the rewinder (501 for embossing andjoining a plurality of webs fed by corresponding parent reels(507A-507D) mounted on respective unwinders (508A-508D). Immediatelydownstream of the accumulator (502), or in an intermediate positionbetween the latter and the cutting-off machines (ML, MU), a trimmingunit (509) can be arranged which trims the logs at their respective endsbefore transferring them to cutting-off machine. Alternatively, thetrimming unit can be placed between the rewinder (501) and theaccumulator (502). The single machines and operating units indicatedabove are per se known to those skilled in the art.

In accordance with the present invention and with reference to theexamples shown in the attached drawings, on each of two superimposedplanes downstream of an accumulator of the logs coming from the rewinderare arranged: a cutting-off machine, a packaging machine and a bundleror a cartoning machine. In other words, on each of the two superimposedplanes downstream of the accumulator (502), i.e. in each of theaforementioned modules (ML, MU), there is a cutting-off machine, i.e. anoperating unit configured to divide the logs into rolls having apredetermined length. In other words, in a plant according to thepresent invention a cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) is arranged both ona lower level (LB) and on an overlying upper level (UB). The twocutting-off machines (503L, 503U) are both fed by the accumulator (502),or by the trimming machine (509) if this unit is interposed between theaccumulator and the cutting-off machine. The machines (503L, 504L, 505L;503U, 504U, 505U) of each module (ML, MU) are easily managed by a singleoperator also due to the absence of conveyors placed in the spacesbetween these machines. In practice, the footprint of the plant isdrastically reduced, while increasing its safety and reliability thanksto the absence of conveyors between the machines. Even when the systemis duplicated, as in the example of FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, a single operatorcan easily manage all the machines on the same floor (LB, UB). In thiscase, each module (ML, MU) comprises two cutting-off machines, twopackaging units or machines and two bundlers or cartoning machines.

For example, the aforementioned lower floor (LB) coincides with thefloor on which the machines and operating units that provide for theproduction and accumulation of the logs and their eventual trimming arelocated.

As shown in the attached drawings, preferably said modules (ML, MU) arearranged so as to be internal to the outline of the machines andoperating units arranged upstream.

To further reduce the space occupied by the plant, the cutting-offmachine and the packaging machine of each module (ML, MU) can beintegrated, forming a single integrated operating unit (510). Withreference to the example shown in FIGS. 7-17, this integrated operatingunit comprises a separator device (1) adapted to distance the paperrolls (2) coming from the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) and intendedto feed a device (4) which forms groups or “lots” (20) of rolls destinedto the packaging machine (504L; 504U). The separator device (1)separates each roll coming from an output line (L1, L2, L3, L4) of thecutting machine (503L; 503U) from the immediately following roll (2) ofthe same output line. In this way, each roll (2) that comes out of anexit line of the cutting machine (503L; 503U) will be spaced by apredetermined value from the roll that follows it along the same exitline. The device (4) is used to form the lots of rolls (2) aligned andplaced next to each other in a predetermined number along the respectivedirections of origin. The packaging machine (504L; 504U) packs the rolls(2) preliminarily grouped by the device (4) that forms the lots (20).

With reference to the example shown in the drawings, the cutting-offmachine (503L; 503U) is of the type comprising a plurality of horizontalfeed channels (30) along which the logs (L) are made to advance inparallel rows by means of pushers (31) acting on the back of the logsand driven by annular belts or chains (32) arranged under the channels(30) and moved by a corresponding drive unit (33). Downstream of saidchannels (30) there are means for gripping and moving the logs (L)which, in the example shown in the drawing, consist of pairs ofcounter-facing belts (34), with a pair of belts (34) for each channel(30). Downstream of said belts (34) there is a unit (35) for cutting thelogs comprising a blade (36) and a mechanism for holding the logs duringthe cutting phase which, according to the example shown in the drawings,consists of a plurality of presses (37). In accordance with a procedureknown per se, once the logs (L) have been loaded on the channels (30) ofthe cutting machine, the pushers (31) and the belts (34) in cooperationwith each other determine the advancement of the logs, in steps oflength corresponding to the length of the rolls (2) to be formed. Ateach step, the blade (36) is operated while the pressers (37) arearranged in locking position for locking the front parts of the logs(parts opposite to those subject to the action of the pushers 31)upstream and downstream of the blade (36). The actuation of the blade(36) determines the obtaining of a roll (2) from each log. For example,if the channels (30) are four in number and there is a log (L) on eachchannel, the actuation of the blade (36) determines the formation offour rolls (2) each time. After cutting, the presses (37) release therolls thus formed which, pushed by the logs which in turn are made toadvance one step by the pushers (31) and by the belts (34), advance tocome out of the cutting machine (503L; 503U). The channels (30) in whichthe logs (L) are positioned are oriented transversely with respect tothe plane of action of the blade (36) which produces the rolls (2) bytransversely cutting the logs. The blade (36) acts in a plane orthogonalto the direction (PL) of origin of the logs (L). As shown in the diagramof FIG. 13, the rolls (2) come out of the cutting-off machine along theoutgoing directions or lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) parallel to the direction(PL) followed by the logs in the channels (30). In other words, whenexiting from the cutting-off machine, the rolls (2) are aligned alongtheir respective output directions (L1, L2, L3, L4).

The mechanism controlling the stepped advancement of the logs (L) in thechannels (30), which in the example described above is made by the belts(34) cooperating with the pushers (31), allows, if necessary, tointerrupt the production of rolls (2) without necessarily having to stopthe blade (36). In other words, since the cutting-off machine isequipped with a mechanism for moving the logs in steps, if necessary,the production of the rolls (2) can be interrupted simply by stoppingthe belts (34) so that the blade (36) can also continue to rotate.

In practice, said “T_(t)” the time that elapses between two consecutivecuts normally performed by the blade (36) and said “T_(s)” the timerequired to stop the belts (34), is: T_(s)<T_(t).

It is understood that the cutting-off machine can be equipped with anyother mechanism for advancing the logs (L) in steps.

Preferably, the logs (L) are already trimmed logs, so that at the exitfrom the cutting-off machine (505L; 503U) there are only rolls (2)intended for packaging and not roll trims. If, on the other hand, thecutting-off machine (503L; 503U) receives untrimmed logs, it is possiblearrange a known trim discarding device at the output of the cuttingmachine.

With reference to the example shown in the drawings, the separatordevice (1) consists of a plurality of conveyor belts (10) mounteddownstream of the cutting station of cutting-off machine (503L; 503U),i.e. downstream of the cutting-off machine station provided with theblade (36). Each conveyor belt (10) always has an upper section incorrespondence with a respective output line of the rolls (2) exitingfrom the cutting-off machine. Each belt (10) is wound on respectivepulleys operated by a corresponding drive unit in such a way that theupper section of the same belt moves according to the exit direction(L1, L2, L3, L4) of the rolls (2). The rolls (2) coming out of thecutting-off machine can therefore be taken over by the belts (10). Inpractice, each roll (2), after its formation, passes on the uppersection of a corresponding conveyor belt (10) detaching itself from theroll subsequently obtained from the log present on the same channel (30)of the cutting-off machine due to the movement of the respective belt(10). In this way, each roll (2) is separated from the roll that followsit and is obtained from the same log. On each conveyor belt (10) therolls (2) advance according to their respective output directions (L1,L2, L3, L4), spaced from each other by a value connected to the speed ofthe belt (10) and therefore connected to the forward speed of the uppersection of the latter. In other words, between each roll present on theupper section of each belt (10) and the roll that follows it and whichis obtained from the same log (L) there is a gap of predetermined value.Said separator device therefore is destined to ensure that the rolls (2)of each output line (L1, L2, L3, L4) are suitably spaced from each otherto allow a more effective intervention on the rolls themselves in thesubsequent lots formation phase.

With reference to the example shown in FIGS. 7-13, the lots (20)formation device (4) comprises a fixed horizontal surface (40) arrangeddownstream of the separator device (1) with respect to the direction oforigin of the rolls (2). In accordance with the example shown in thedrawings, said fixed surface (40) is a horizontal surface extendingtransversely to the belts (10) downstream of the latter.

Said fixed surface (40) constitutes an example of embodiment of atemporary slowing surface with which each roll (2) transported by therespective belt (10) interacts and on which the rolls (2) undergo aslowdown.

An operating unit (41) is mounted above the belts (10) comprising aplurality of actuators (42) on each of which several blades (43) aremounted in an annular configuration. For example, each actuator (42) isan annular track with a linear motor on which several carriages aremounted, each of which carries a corresponding blade (43). For example,each actuator (42) may be a conveyor commercially available under thetrade name Beckhoff XTS series. In accordance with the example shown inthe attached drawings, an actuator (42) is provided for each of thechannels (30) of the cutting-off machine, i.e an actuator (42) withrespective blades (43) above each of said belts (10).

Each actuator (42) has a lower forward section, opposite and parallel tothe respective belt (10), along which the blades (43) move according tothe direction of origin of the rolls (2), and an upper return sectionalong which the blades (43) move in the opposite direction.

On the fixed surface (40) begins the formation of groups or “lots” (20)of rolls (2), placed one behind the other without a gap. Each lot (20)is made up of a predetermined number of rolls (2) queued according tothe respective directions of origin. In the example shown in FIGS. 8-12,each lot (20) consists of three rolls (2). Since the belts (10) carry onthe surface (40) the rolls (2) produced by cutting several logs side byside in the cutting-off machine, the formation of multiple side by sidelots (20) of rolls (2) can begin on this surface. The lots (20) areparallel to each other, i.e. they are positioned side by side as thelogs in the cutting-off machine. Cyclically, the belts (10) convey therolls (2) towards the surface (40), where the rolls stop immediatelyafter the loss of contact with the belts (10) because the surface (40)is fixed. Furthermore, cyclically, when on any belt (10) there is anumber of rolls (2) corresponding to a lot (20), a blade (43) of therespective actuator (42) exerts a thrust on the last roll of the lot,thus determining the compacting of the rolls of the lot (20) and thetranslation of the entire lot above the surface (40), to then return tothe upper side of the unit (41) and re-run along the previoustrajectory. Downstream of the surface (40) there is the conveyor (6),further described below, which receives the lots (20) and moves themtowards the packaging machine (504L; 504U).

Depending on the packages to be made in the packaging machine provideddownstream, the blades (43) can be operated in a differentiated mannerabove the belts (10). For example, if there are four lots (20) of rollson the belts (10) and having to form a pack with two rows of rolls (2),two actuators (42) will have to impose on the respective lots (20) agreater sliding speed on the surface (40) to feed the conveyor (6) whosemovement determines the numerosity of the pack or of the pack layer. Forexample, if the rolls are to be packed in the form of packs containingtwo lots (20) or in the form of packs formed by layers of two lots (20),two actuators (42) will be faster than the other two.

Downstream of the unit (41) that forms the lots (20) there is a conveyor(6), commonly called “bar towing”, which moves the lots (20) away fromthe unit (41) and transports them to the packaging machine (504L; 504U)that is located downstream and receives the lots (20) by means of theconveyor (6). The latter is a known device. With reference to theexample shown in the attached drawings, the conveyor (6) comprises aplurality of bars (60) oriented transversely to the direction (PL) oforigin of the lots (20), spaced apart by a predetermined value form eachother and constrained to two parallel annular belts (61D, 61S) locatedon the right and left sides (6D, 6S) of the conveyor (6) and driven by acorresponding actuator (62). Between the right and left sides of theconveyor there is a plane (P) on which the lots (20) advance pushed fromthe back by the bars (60). According to the example shown in theattached drawings, the belts (61D, 61S) are wound on corresponding guidepulleys arranged both on the rear side of the conveyor (6), i.e. on theside facing the unit (41), and on the front side. In this example, theactuator (62) is a gearmotor located on the right side (6D) of theconveyor (6). The gearmotor is connected to the belt (61D) by means of afirst toothed belt (TD) and is connected to the belt (61S) by means of asecond toothed belt (TS) driven through a shaft (63) passingtransversely under the aforementioned plane (P). The belts (61D, 61S)always have a higher upper section and a lower low section with respectto the plane (P) and are longer than the latter. Therefore, the bars(60) cyclically move above and below the plane (P). When they move abovethe plane (P), the bars (60) push the lots (20) which, consequently,move on the plane (P) towards the packaging machine (504L; 504U)provided downstream. In their return run, having passed the front edgeof the plane (P), the bars (60) move below the latter. Above the plane(P), guides can be arranged oriented according to an exit direction ofthe lots (20) according to a guide structure known per se.

It goes without saying that the conveyor (6) is suitably synchronizedwith the lots formation unit (20).

The rolls (2) produced by the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) andobtained from the same log are spaced from each other by means of theseparator (1). This operation is carried out in parallel for all rolls(2) coming out of the cutting-off machine, i.e. for all the rollsproduced by cutting the logs loaded on the channels (30) of thecutting-off machine. Sequentially, on the belts (10) of the separatordevice (1) lots are formed consisting of a predetermined number of rolls(2) aligned according to the respective directions (L1, L2, L3, L4) oforigin and placed side by side. When the predetermined number of rolls(2) forming a lot (20) is reached on any belt (10), a blade (43) of thecorresponding actuator (42) intercepts the rear part of the last roll ofthe lot and pushes the entire lot until it enters the conveyor (6). Whenthe blade (43) releases the last roll of the lot, a bar (60) of theconveyor (6) takes the place of the blade and the lot is brought to thepackaging machine (504L; 504U) which is positioned downstream andprovides packaging operations according to methods known per se.Therefore, downstream of each output line of the cutting-off machine(503L; 503U) there is never an accumulation, or stopping, of rolls (2)in a number greater than the number of rolls making up a correspondinglot.

In practice, with reference to the example shown in the attacheddrawings, the unit (4) is an acceleration and formation mechanism of theindividual lots since the individual lots initially slow down on thesurface (40) and following the intervention of the blades (43) theyreach a speed corresponding to that of the conveyor (6). In other words,the rolls (2) can be subject to slowing down on the surface (40).

The packaging machine (504L; 504U) that receives the lots (20) to bepackaged is an operating unit known per se.

In relation to the above, the previously mentioned integrated operatingunit comprises a cutting-off machine and a packaging machine connectedwith each other, in which:

-   -   the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) has a predetermined number        of channels (30) in which the logs (L) are moved along a        predetermined direction of advancement (PL) and a cutting unit        that cuts the logs in a transverse direction with respect to        said direction (PL) producing rolls (2) with a predetermined        cutting rate,    -   the rolls (2) produced by the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U)        exit from the latter along output lines (L1, L2, L3, L4) which        are equal in number to the number of said channels (30) and are        each oriented parallel to said direction (PL),    -   each lot (20) consists of a predetermined number of rolls (2)        placed one behind the other and aligned along the advancement        direction (PL) of the logs (L) from which the rolls are        obtained,    -   and in which, downstream of the cutting-off machine (503L;        503U), there are:    -   a first unit (1) adapted to arrange the single rolls (2) spaced        apart by a predetermined value (d) along the respective output        lines (L1, L2, L3, L4), said first unit being provided with a        surface (10) on which the rolls (2) coming out of the        cutting-off (503L; 503U) are positioned one at a time and which        moves them along the direction (PL) determining the detachment        of each roll (2) from the one that follows it in the respective        output line of the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U);    -   a second unit (4), cooperating with the first unit (1), adapted        to form the lots (20) by grouping a predetermined number of        rolls (2) previously spaced from the first unit (1) so as to        create lots (20) of rolls (2) each consisting of a predetermined        number of rolls (2) placed side by side, said second unit (4)        being provided with blades (43) connected to corresponding        independent actuators (42) which move them along an annular path        that always has a section parallel to a surface (10; 40) on        which the rolls (2) can pass, so that each blade (43) is able to        push the last roll of each lot to be formed and each lot from        the back as the single lots (20) are formed;    -   a third unit (6), positioned downstream of the second unit (4)        with respect to said direction (PL), adapted to convey the lots        (20) to a packaging machine (504L; 504U) that is arranged        downstream and is able to receive the lots (20) formed by the        second unit (4).

In this description, the terms first unit (1), second unit (4) and thirdunit (6) have been used to distinguish, respectively, a separator device(1), a lot forming device (4) and a conveyor (6).

Since, as previously mentioned, each blade (43) pushes the respectivelots (20) towards the conveyor (6) as the individual lots (20) areformed, downstream of each output line of the cutting machine (503L;503U) there is never an accumulation, or stopping, of rolls (2) in anumber greater than the number of rolls that make up a correspondinglot.

Therefore, the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) is integrated in thelots (20) packaging line and on each output line (L1, L2, L3, L4) thereis never an accumulation, or stop, of rolls (2) in a number greater thanthe number of rolls that make up a corresponding lot and in it ispossible to use a cutting-off machine in which the logs (L) are moved insteps along the respective channels, so that the cut can be interruptedwithout the need to accumulate rolls (2) at the output of the cuttingmachine itself as previously described. The belts (34) arranged upstreamof the cutting station in the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U)constitute an example of embodiment of a mechanism for moving the logs(L) in steps. The separator (1) can be integrated with the cutting-offmachine (503L; 503U), constituting the final output section of thelatter, so that the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) produces rolls (2)which, on each output line (L1, L2, L3, L4), are spaced apart from eachother by a predetermined value (d) which allows the blade (43) of theunit (4) to act as previously described.

Therefore, it is not necessary to provide accumulation systems for lots(20) of rolls (2) upstream of the packaging machine (504L; 504U), whichallows further savings in terms of space required for the plant that,consequently, can be installed in smaller spaces than those required byconventional systems. Furthermore, it is not necessary to engage therolls (2) laterally, that is, it is not necessary to clamp them, suchthat the integrity of the rolls (2) is preserved.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-17, the second unit(4) comprises a series of belts (400) closed in a loop along respectivetriangular-shaped paths, with a substantially horizontal section facingthe surface (40) on which the lots (20) are formed, an ascending section(from right to left in the figure) and a descending section(substantially vertical in the figure) shorter than the ascendingsection. A predetermined number of blades (43) are applied to each belt(400) which perform the function described above. The belts (400) areindividually motorized by respective electric motors (not visible in thedrawings). The blades (43) are mounted at predetermined points on eachbelt (400). The function of these blades is identical to that indicatedfor the example described above. The length of the horizontal forwardsection of the belts (400) is less than the overall length of theascending and descending return sections. In this example, for each line(L1, L2, L3, L4) there is a pair of parallel belts (400) with respectiveblades (43), the number of which will be commensurate with the overalllength of the belts themselves. Furthermore, for each lot formation linethere is a surface (401) for the temporary stop of the lots connected toa rotary actuator which places it in the lowered stop position andrespectively in the raised position of allowed passage of the lots (20).In this example, the surface on which the lots (20) are formed consistsof the fixed horizontal plane (40) arranged downstream of the belts (10)of the unit (1). Furthermore, in this example, downstream of the fixedsurface (40) there is a conveyor belt (402) which acts as a bridgebetween the fixed surface (40) and the conveyor (6), and the surfaces(401) are arranged upstream of the conveyor (6). In the drawings, theactuators which control the rotation of the surfaces (401) are notvisible and the surfaces (401) are shown partly raised and partlylowered. When they are lowered (position substantially orthogonal to thedirection of movement of the rolls 2), the surfaces (401) prevent thetranslation of the rolls (2) towards the conveyor (6). Conversely, whenthey are raised, the surfaces (401) leave a gap between them and theunderlying belt (402) which can be crossed by the rolls (2) directedtowards the conveyor (6).

By means of said integrated operating unit, a process of forming therolls and packaging them is carried out in which,

-   -   using the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U), paper rolls er (2)        are produced by transversely cutting logs (L) of paper material        at a predetermined cutting rate and the paper rolls (2) thus        produced come out of the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U) along        several parallel output lines (L1, L2, L3, L4);    -   immediately downstream of the cutting-off machine (503L; 503U)        each paper roll (2) is spaced by a predetermined value (d) from        the paper roll that follows it in the respective output line        (L1, L2, L3, L4);    -   on each output line (L1, L2, L3, L4) lots (20) are formed, each        consisting of a predetermined number “N” of paper rolls (2)        placed one behind the other by temporarily slowing down “N−1”        rolls of each lot (20), using a temporary slowing down surface        (40) which determines the temporary slowing down of said “−1”        rolls, and possible mutual approaching of the “N−1” rolls of the        lot to the first roll if N>1, the phase of approaching the “N−1”        rolls of the lot to the first roll being performed by means of a        pusher (43) which exerts a thrust on the last roll of the lot;    -   each lot (20) is transferred onto a conveyor (6; 402) by means        of the same pusher (43) used to form the lot;    -   by means of the conveyor (6), the lots (20) are transferred to a        machine (504L; 504U) for packaging the lots.    -   It goes without saying that, if N=1, that is, if the lot        consists of a single roll (2) intended to be individually        packaged, the aforementioned approaching step operated by the        pusher (43) is not foreseen. However, the pusher (43) determines        the transfer of the only roll of the lot to the conveyor (6).

In the example described above it is N=3, so on each output line (L1,L2, L3, L4) lots (20) are formed, each consisting of three paper rolls(2) placed one behind the other by temporarily slowing down two rolls ofeach lot (20), using the temporary slowing down surface (40) whichdetermines the temporary slowing down of said two rolls, and the lot isdefinitively formed by placing the third roll next to the first two bymeans of the corresponding pusher (43) which exerts a thrust on thethird roll of the lot.

In the integrated operating unit described above, between thecutting-off machine (503L; 503U) and the packaging machine (504L; 504U)there are no intermediate buffers of the type commonly used intraditional systems, in which large quantities of lots of rolls areaccumulated upstream of the packaging machine. Furthermore, the lots(20) are formed and moved using means (which in the examples describedabove are the pushers 43 and the tow bars 60) acting only on the back ofthe paper rolls and not on the sides as envisaged in traditionalsystems. Therefore, the rolls (2) are not subject to lateral crushing.In the integrated operating unit described above, an effectiveintegration of the various units of the group formed by the cutting-offmachine and the packaging machine is achieved, placing the unit (1)immediately downstream of the cutting means of the cutting-off machine(503L; 503U), using the same blades (43) both to form the individuallots and to transfer the lots to the conveyor (6), and positioning theconveyor (6) immediately downstream of the unit (4) provided with theblades (43).

The present invention therefore provides a plant for the production andpackaging of paper rolls obtained by cutting logs of paper material,comprising logs forming means for the production of logs of papermaterial consisting of a winding of a predetermined amount of papermaterial, cutting means for transversal cutting, rolls packaging meansfor making packages comprising a predetermined number of rolls andbundling or cartoning means for bundling or cartoning said packages, inwhich the means for producing the logs comprise a rewinder (501) fedwith the web of paper material wound to form the logs, in which saidcutting means, said packaging means and said bundling or cartoning meansare grouped into two modules (ML, MU) on two superimposed planes (LB,LU) of the plant downstream of the rewinder (501).

In accordance with a preferential embodiment of the present invention,an accumulator (502) is interposed between the rewinder (501) and themodules (ML, MU), in which the logs formed by the rewinder (501)accumulate.

Furthermore, preferably, between the rewinder (501) and the modules (ML,MU) there are interposed an accumulator (502) in which the logs formedby the rewinder (501) are accumulated and a trimming machine (509)positioned downstream or upstream of the accumulator (502), in which thelogs are trimmed at their respective ends.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the cutting meansand the packaging means of each module (ML, MU) are preferablyintegrated forming a single integrated operating unit (510). Forexample, said integrated operating unit (510) can be made as describedabove.

In practice, the details of execution may in any case vary as regardsthe individual elements described and illustrated, without therebydeparting from the idea of the solution adopted and therefore remainingwithin the limits of the protection granted by this patent in accordancewith the attached claims.

1.-16. (canceled)
 17. Plant for producing and packaging paper rollsobtained from the cutting of logs of paper material, comprising:formation means for the production of logs of paper material comprisingwinding of a predetermined amount of paper material, cutting means fortransversal cutting, packaging means of said rolls for producingpackages comprising a predetermined number of rolls and bundling orcartoning means for bundling or cartoning said packages, wherein themeans for the production of the logs comprise a rewinder fed with theweb of paper material wrapped to form the logs, wherein said cuttingmeans, said packaging means, and said bundling or cartoning means aregrouped into two modules on two superimposed floors of the plantdownstream of the rewinder.
 18. Plant according to claim 17, whereinbetween the rewinder and the modules is interposed an accumulator inwhich the logs formed by the rewinder are accumulated.
 19. Plantaccording to claim 17, wherein between the rewinder and the modules areinterposed with an accumulator in which the logs formed by the rewinderare accumulated and a trimmer located downstream or upstream of theaccumulator, in which the logs are trimmed at their respective ends. 20.Plant according to claim 17, wherein the lower floor of said twosuperimposed floors corresponds coincides with a floor on which therewinder, the accumulator and the trimmer are placed.
 21. Plantaccording to claim 17, wherein the cutting and the packaging means ofeach module are integrated forming a single integrated operating unit.22. Plant according to claim 21, wherein: said integrated operating unitcomprises a cutting-off machine with a predetermined number of channelsin which the logs are moved along a predetermined advancement directionand a cutting unit that cuts the logs in a transverse direction withrespect to said direction producing rolls with a predetermined cuttingrate, the rolls produced by the cutting machine come out of the latteralong exit lines whose number is equal to the number of said channelsand that are oriented each parallel to said direction, each lotcomprises a predetermined number of rolls placed one behind the otherand aligned along the advancement direction of the logs from which therolls are obtained, and downstream of the cutting-off machine, thefollowing are arranged: a first unit adapted to arrange the individualrolls spaced apart from each other by a predetermined amount along therespective exit lines, said first unit being provided with a surface onwhich the rolls are positioned one at a time when they exit from thecutting machine) and that moves them along the direction distancing eachroll from the one following it in the respective exit line of thecutting-off machine; a second unit, cooperating with the first unit,adapted to form the lots by grouping a predetermined number of rollspreviously spaced by the first unit in order to produce lots of rollseach comprising a predetermined number of rolls placed one behind theother, said second unit, being provided with blades connected withrespective independent actuators that move them along an annular paththat has always a section that is parallel to a transit surface on whichthe rolls are free to pass, such that each blade is adapted to push fromthe back the last roll of each group to be formed and each formed groupas the individual groups are formed; a third unit, located downstream ofthe second unit in relation to said direction, adapted to convey thegroups towards a packaging machine provided downstream and adapted toreceive the groups formed by the second unit.
 23. Plant according toclaim 22 characterized in that on each exit line there is never anaccumulation of rolls in a number greater than a number of rolls makingup a corresponding group.
 24. Plant according to claim 22, wherein themovement of the logs in the respective channels of the cutting machineis an intermittent movement and, “Tt” is the time that elapses betweentwo subsequent cuts normally carried out by the cutting unit of thecutting-off machine, and “Ts” is the time required to stop the movementof the logs, wherein: Ts<Tt.
 25. Plant according to claim 22, whereinsaid first unit comprises a plurality of conveyor belts mounteddownstream of the cutting machine and each conveyor belt has always asection in correspondence of respective rolls exit line of the cuttingmachine.
 26. Plant according to claim 22, wherein said second unitcomprises a transit surface on which the rolls coming from the firstunit are subject to slowdown.
 27. Plant according to claim 25, whereinsaid slowing surface is downstream of said conveyor belts.
 28. Plantaccording to claim 22, wherein said second unit comprises a plurality ofblades moved along annular trajectories above a path followed by therolls during the formation of the groups.
 29. Plant according to claim26, wherein said blades are arranged above said conveyor belts and abovethe slowdown surface.
 30. Plant according to claim 29, wherein saidtrajectories are triangular trajectories.
 31. Plant according to claim29, wherein the blades are driven by independent actuators above eachconveyor belt and are operable by said independent actuators withdifferentiated speeds above the conveyor belts and the slowdown surface.32. Plant according to according to claim 22 wherein a conveyor belt isprovided between the second unit and the conveyor.